Contextualization

Mathematics, besides being a powerful tool for problem-solving, is also essential for developing a critical and reflective view of the reality that surrounds us. In our daily lives, we frequently encounter situations that demand the use of measures of different magnitudes, such as length, area, mass, time, temperature, capacity, among others, which we often need to convert from one unit to another.

In this sense, studying the conversion of mass and volume measures is closely linked to the ability to understand the world and position oneself critically and consciously in it. With this project, we hope that students develop this important skill and understand, in practice, how Mathematics is present in our daily lives.

In Mathematics, measures of mass and volume are two magnitudes that we frequently encounter. Mass is the amount of matter that a body possesses, regardless of the volume it occupies or the location where it is, and is generally measured in grams (g), kilograms (kg), etc. Volume, on the other hand, is the space occupied by a body and is measured in units such as liters (l), cubic meters (m³), etc. The ability to convert between these units of measure is fundamental to solving various types of everyday and scientific problems.

In this project, we will explore the world of mass and volume measure conversion. We will learn how to convert different units of mass and volume measures and we will explore, through a practical activity, how these conversions are relevant in real contexts.

To better understand these concepts, we suggest the following resources that can be used to delve deeper into the topic:

• Brazil School - Mass Measurement Conversion
• Só Matemática - Mass Measurement Units
• Brasil Escola - Unit Measurement Conversion
• Toda Matéria - Unit Measurement Conversion

Remember, the important thing is not only to learn the concepts, but to know how to apply them critically and consciously in the world around you.

Practical Activity: "From Grams to Liters: An Adventure in Unit Conversion"

Project Objective

To work on the conversion of mass and volume measures, stimulating students to understand and apply these concepts in real contexts. The project also aims to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group should prepare a guide for converting units of mass and volume measures, and then carry out a practical conversion experiment.

Required Materials:

• Books and/or internet access for research
• Digital scale (available in the school's laboratory)
• 1-liter containers
• Various ingredients such as sugar, flour, rice, beans, etc.

Step by Step

1. Research and Guide Preparation: Initially, students should research the units of mass (g, kg, ton) and volume (ml, l, m³) measures and how to convert them between each other. The collected information will be used to prepare a conversion guide.

2. Practical Experiment: Subsequently, students will carry out a practical experiment in which they will measure the mass and volume of different ingredients. For this, they should weigh 1 kg of each ingredient on the scale, measure the volume they occupy, and compare the results.

3. Report: After conducting the experiment, groups should write a report containing the following topics:

   • Introduction: Contextualization of the theme based on their research, importance of measure conversion in daily life, and project objectives.

   • Development: Theoretical explanation of mass and volume measure conversion, detailed explanation of the practical experiment procedures, the methodology used, and presentation of the collected data, explained and interpreted.

   • Conclusion: Recap of the main points of the work, lessons learned, and conclusions drawn from the practical experiment (How can a kilogram of different materials have different volumes?).

   • Bibliography: Indication of the sources consulted during the project development.

4. Presentation: Each group will present their project to the class, explaining the process of measure conversion, what they learned, and the results obtained.

Students will have one month to complete this project, which will require an average of five to ten hours of dedication per participant.

The deliverables of this project are: the unit conversion guide, the data from the practical experiment, the report on the project, and an oral presentation. These deliverables should demonstrate the students' understanding of mass and volume measure conversion, the application of these concepts in practical situations, and the development of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.